2024 Everything Home by Jamestown Sun

Everything Home 2024

Proper trimming, cutting damaged branches allows trees to heal properly

BY MASAKI OVA

The Jamestown Sun

JAMESTOWN — It is important to trim trees properly and cut damaged branches so it (THEY???) can heal properly, according to Jerry Steinmetz, co-owner of Northern Tree Service with his wife, Lindsey.

Steinmetz said his business removed tree branches from roofs shortly after the ice storm in December. He said some broken branches stayed in the trees while others landed on roofs.

“It did roof damage, so those were the first ones we attacked,” he said.

He said they removed tree branches from roofs and trimmed branches hanging from trees.

“Another big one was just clearing lawns and picking up debris the best we could,” he said.

Steinmetz said it isn’t typical to work in December or January.

“The year before we couldn’t even do anything there was so much snow,” he said.

He said it’s important to take care of trees damaged from excess amounts of ice

44 Years of Concrete Services

or high winds. He said the branches could cause damage to vehicles and houses or could hurt somebody.

“It’s also important to get them cut off and trimmed properly so the tree can heal properly,” he said.

Steinmetz said damaged trees can become healthy again if they don’t have major damage.

“If they had major damage and it cracked the tree in the big wood, you might as well take them down,” he said. If a tree gets split down the middle it needs to be supported by cabling and bracing, he said.

Homeowners can also prune branches to prevent damage to trees. Steinmetz said lateral branches where rotting or decaying spots should be taken down. He said those branches can be susceptible to breaking during heavy winds or ice storms.

He said some tree branches start rotting because a tree branch broke. He said fungal conks or mushrooms growing from the tree are an indication of rot.

TRIMMING: Page 4

Jamestown, ND Office: 252-7046 • Cell: 320-7046 luxconcreteinc.com

John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun

Two tree service businesses work together on a large project in Jamestown.

TRIMMING

From Page 2

“If you see those, you know that the branch has got core rot in it,” he said. Steinmetz said proper pruning prevents bugs from getting into a tree trunk. If stubs are left on the tree trunk or a branch breaks from the wind, the tree is susceptible to bugs.

“If you prune it properly back to the trunk, it will heal over, callus over and then bugs can’t get into it,” he said. “So you need to trim them back.”

He said emerald ash borer starts at the top of a tree but proper pruning methods can prevent that as well.

Lindsey Steinmetz said homeowners can call a tree service anytime to get an estimate.

“You might find out how reasonable it is to have a tree removed in a certain

David Zorn, owner of Z’s Trees, and Jerry Steinmetz, co-owner of Northern Tree Service, work together on a large tree project in Jamestown.

John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun

situation,” she said. “If you are worried about your tree, call a licensed arborist or the city forester. Have them come and assess it. We all know the signs of what’s decayed or what’s a problem tree.

We can either recommend to trim it or remove it.”

Jerry Steinmetz said tree services deal with any tree problems and tree care. He said his business will assess what needs to be done with trees. Northern Tree Service doesn’t do anything with spraying, but he said he knows other businesses that do.

He said homeowners should contact a tree service or the city forester before they plant a new tree. He said many factors need to be considered before planting a tree including tree depth, size of the hole and what to plant.

David Zorn, owner of Z’s Trees, said the city forester will know what to plant. mova@jamestownsun.com (701) 952-8454

RESIDENTIAL CURBSIDE CLEANUP

Place materials for collection on the roadway, close to the curb or shoulder, as possible. Materials must be out by 7:00 a.m., the morning of your cleanup day listed below. This is not necessarily the same day as your garbage collection day. Crews will not return for any items. Do not call to ask what time the crew will pick up your items. Your patience is appreciated.

MONDAY MAY 13 Southeast (SE) section of the City

TUESDAY MAY 14 Southwest (SW) section of the City

WEDNESDAY MAY 15 Northwest (NW) section of the City

THURSDAY MAY 16 Northeast (NE) section of the City

The property owner is responsible for the proper disposal of all materials. It is unlawful and subject to penalty for anyone to create a public nuisance by permitting the accumulation of trash, rubbish, or junk [Jamestown City Municipal Code Sec. 17-12].

WHAT IS ACCEPTED IN CURBSIDE PICKUP

• Materials in neat, separate piles of similar materials so crews can easily collect, or it will be left.

• Basic household items-furniture, toys, mattress, etc. Similar materials in neat, separate piles.

• Small scale building, remodeling, landscaping debris, lumber, carpet & padding, wall board, tile, doors, windows, fencing, non-creosoted landscaping timbers, brick pavers, etc. (Small scale means the approximate volume of a level pick-up truck bed.)

• Wood, lumber, fencing and non-creosoted landscaping timbers - broken apart, tied in bundles, less than 4 feet long, less than 50 pounds per bundle.

• Carpeting and padding must each be rolled, tied, and no longer than 8 feet.

NOT ACCEPTED IN CURBSIDE PICKUP

(see next section for disposal options)

• No Large Quantities of Clothing/linens or bags of any kind

• No Regular Household Garbage

• No Cardboard

• No Yard Waste (Branches, Grass, Leaves, Trees, Shrubs, etc.)

• No Appliances (for example: no stoves, dishwashers, washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, water heaters, items that use Freon)

• No Electronics (i.e., televisions, stereos, computers, computer monitors and microwave ovens)

• No Automotive products (antifreeze, 6- & 12-volt lead-acid batteries, any tires)

• No Vehicles, vehicle parts, boats

• No Large-scale Building or Remodeling or Construction Debris

• No Paint, solvents, thinners, primers, varnishes, stains, and similar

• No Power lawn mowers; propane tanks, gas cans with any contents

• No Bio-medical waste (sharps or anything contaminated by human fluid)

• No Metal items unless a part of a material that will be picked up

WHERE TO DISPOSE OF PRACTICALLY ANYTHING

Garbage - Dispose of in your garbage cart or take it to the City Baler/Landfill. City Baler/Landfill hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. & Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., www.jamestownnd.gov/departments/public-works/sanitation-solid-waste/ Recycling - Contact Recycle ND with questions about recycling and what is accepted at the Recycle ND Facility. Recycle ND Hours: Tues/Thurs/Fri/Sat, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Wed, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., www.recyclenorthdakota.com/whats-recyclable

Appliances, boats, metals, vehicles, vehicle batteries - Take to Gerdau Ameristeel or West End Hide, Fur & Metal Co. There may be a disposal charge for these items.

Electronics (TV’s, microwaves, etc..) fluorescent mercury vapor light bulbs, cardboard, newspaper, white & colored paper, books, magazines, aluminum cans, tin cans, most plastics, sorted glass, clothing, and shoes – Take to the Recycling Center. Items must be sorted.

Building/remodeling, construction & demolition debris, metals, paint, solvents, thinners, primers, varnishes & stains - Take to the City Baler/ Landfill. Liquids must be in original containers with a readable label.

Tires and automotive oil may be taken to the City Baler/Landfill. Must show proof of city residency. There may be a disposal charge for some of the items.

Yard Waste can be taken to the City Baler/Landfill drop off site.

Snow blowers, lawn mowers, propane tanks, and metal gas cans can be taken to Gerdau Ameristeel, West End Hide & Fur, and the City Baler/Landfill. Drain liquids and gas; leave caps or valves open on the containers or tanks for safety reasons. Plastic gas containers with no liquids can be taken to the City Baler/Landfill.

Bio-medical waste - Contact Central Valley Health, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, or your local clinic or pharmacy for instructions.

Clothing and Shoes – If clean, donate to local Goodwill or other charitable organizations. If not suitable, take to Recycle North Dakota or dispose of in the trash.

During Cleanup Week ONLY- The City Baler/Landfill will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday; 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each household may dispose of 500 pounds at no charge. Must show proof of residency, such as utility bill.

Contact Information:

• City Baler/Landfill, 3020 18th St. SE, 701-252-5223, sanitation@jamestownnd.gov

• Recycle North Dakota,1016 10th St SE, 701-320-9218, info@recyclenorthdakota.com

• Gerdau Ameristeel Recycling, 1510 10th St SE, 701-252-0110

• West End Hide, Fur & Metal Co., 3445 82nd Ave SE, 701-252-0150

• Central Valley Health, 122 2nd St NW, 701-252-8130

• Jamestown Regional Medical Center, 2422 20th St SW, 701-952-1050

Thank you for your participation and cooperation! This event promotes efforts to keep our City clean!

BY KATHY STEINER

The Jamestown Sun

JAMESTOWN — Cabinets can be designed to meet any project’s needs, said Ty Spitzer, designer, S & S Cabinets.

“We do everything from kitchens to mudrooms to closets to custom wood tops to laundry rooms, entertainment centers, hutches, offices, desks, bookcases, libraries,” he said.

“We can do gun cabinets. We can do tables … we also do, like walkthrough hidden cabinet doors … Everything that we do is all custom.”

Kitchens, vanities, laundry rooms and closets are popular projects, he noted. Birch, hickory, walnut and cherry are popular woods for cabinets. Stained cabinets have become more popular in the last two years, Spitzer said.

“It seems like people are more choosing to do stained cabinets nowadays but there’s still a lot of our customer base that love the crisp clean look of solid color as well,” he said.

When it comes to color, people prefer bold neutral colors along with green and blue, he said.

“A lot of people don’t understand that solid color will cost more than stained because of the fact that there is more steps in between to get it to solid,” Spitzer said. “There’s a lot more labor in solid colors than in staining and that’s one thing a lot of people don’t understand.”

Spitzer said people wanting to do a

If you dream it, we could do it,... We design our cabinets to their specific area, whether that may be a kitchen, vanity, pantries, lockers, hoods, anything in between.

TY SPITZER, Designer, S & S Cabinets

project should note these types of considerations:

1. Have a budget in mind for the project. Spitzer said they will work with people’s budgets to help them create the project.

2. Functionality — “How do you want to use your space and get as much out of it as you can? We can do a whole different new design or we can keep the design if you’re OK with how your kitchen is set up,” he said.

3. The style of cabinets you want: modern farmhouse, craftsman, framed or frameless, for example.

4. Features: rollouts, shelving, utensil pullouts, spice rollouts, rollout garbages.

Spitzer said clients have been requesting larger kitchen islands with cabinets built into them and fewer upper cabinets.

“We’re seeing more people wanting more space and more places to put their

things in their island rather than around their kitchen because their functionality is coming to them,” he said. “The functionality is right there. So we tend to do a little bit wider islands if the space can withstand it.”

Trends this year include floating shelves, beverage stations, rollout spice cabinets, rollout utensil cabinets and rollout garbages.

PROJECTS: Page 9

This kitchen remodel project of S & S Cabinets was a new design and included taking out the walls, opening the layout.

Tips to consider when hiring a contractor

METRO EDITORIAL SERVICES

Contractors perform important work for millions of homeowners every day. Home improvement projects are complicated undertakings, and the experience of skilled contractors can ensure jobs are completed on time and within homeowners’ budgets.

Homeowners have undoubtedly heard horror stories from neighbors about projects that have gone awry. Projects can go sideways for a number of reasons, but a skilled contractor can help homeowners navigate such situations successfully. That underscores how important it can be to find the right professional for the job. The following are some tips homeowners can consider as they look to hire a contractor.

► Identify which professional you need. Some contractors are of the jack-of-all-trades variety, but many specialize in a particular line of work. It’s important that homeowners identify which type of contractor they should work with prior to starting a project. This requires homeowners to define the goal of the project (i.e., new wood floor installation), which can serve as a springboard into finding the right type of contractor.

CONTRACTOR: Page 10

Handshake agreements offer no protection to homeowners or contractors, so estimates indicating what will be done and how much the project will cost should be provided. Contributed

PROJECTS

From Page 7

“Those all are becoming huge,” he said. More people are also tending to go with quartz for countertops, Spitzer said. “They’re virtually maintenance free, add value to your home, and will last many years,” he said.

Working with the client

Spitzer said when they work with a client, they want to know how a certain space will be used, whatever the room,

and what the client wants in that area, such as upper cabinets, fewer drawers, doors or rollouts.

“We can make anything work,” he said. “If they have ideas we can come out, we measure, we can redesign their whole kitchen … or just remake what they have there if they want to, if they don’t have the space for it.”

S & S Cabinets is there from start to finish, Spitzer said.

“This could be a very stressful or overwhelming process so … we try to make it as least overwhelming as possible,” he said.

S & S Cabinets has a design studio that helps make it easier for people with visualizing a project.

“We do all of our own measurements,” Spitzer said. “We come on-site, we take pictures, we measure, we double measure and then we invite our clients or customers up here to sit with us and we can draw up a design here on the computer because we’re not limited to just certain size cabinets. We do custom measurements. Anything really that the client wants is not out of our reach. We design everything, we build everything here on-site in our shop.”

Providing custom work gives clients many possibilities.

“If you dream it, we could do it,” he said. “... We design our cabinets to their specific area, whether that may be a

kitchen, vanity, pantries, lockers, hoods, anything in between. We build everything on a solid half-inch plywood (for boxes) so we have ... durability. Our cabinets are meant to last for many years.”

They can also help clients with picking out countertops, hardware, sink and faucets, he said.

“We’re pretty much there every step of the way to help ease this process because it can become sometimes ... overwhelming to some people,” he said. For more information, visit https:// www.sandscabinetsnd.com or call (701) 251-2140.

ksteiner@jamestownsun.com (701) 952-8449

CONTRACTOR

From Page 8

► Prioritize building safety. Safety should be the utmost priority for homeowners and contractors alike. Prior to hiring a contractor, homeowners should identify any safety restrictions that might be enforced by local governments and take note of all the permits necessary to get a job done. Homeowners can then discuss those restrictions and permits as they interview contractors. Projects that do not adhere to code are illegal and can compromise homeowners’ ability to sell their homes in the future. So it’s vital to work with contractors who are familiar

with local codes and aware of which permits are necessary to ensure a project can go forward.

► Insist on written estimates.

Handshake agreements offer no protection to homeowners or contractors, so estimates indicating what will be done and how much the project will cost should be provided. Homeowners should insist on receiving written estimates and

interpret an unwillingness to provide one as a significant red flag.

► Know your rights. Laws vary by region, but in general homeowners have a right to a written contract and contractors are obligated to provide a copy of that contract signed by both parties. That contract must be provided prior to the start of the project. The contract should provide a detailed account of the work

that will be done, as well as a timeline indicating important dates that components of the project will begin and be completed. The contract also should detail materials and who is providing them. Details regarding payments, guarantees and warranties also should be cited.

► Do not pay in cash. Some contractors may suggest that the project will cost less if theyÕre paid in cash. However, home improvements should never be cash transactions. Cash does not indicate proof of payment, which can be problematic if a dispute arises.

Contractors help homeowners turn dream projects into reality. Homeowners can employ various strategies to ensure they find the right professional for their home improvement project.

What to know about mortgage preapproval

Shopping for and ultimately purchasing a home can feel like a day at an amusement park. Much like a ride on a roller coaster, buying a home can be both exciting and a little scary, and those peaks and valleys have been even more profound in recent years, when the real estate market has been as tough as ever to navigate due to low inventory and high prices.

Though the real estate market has changed significantly in recent years, some conventional home buying wisdom still holds true. The importance of mortgage preapproval is one such notion, and it’s even likely that being preapproved for a mortgage before making an offer on a home is more significant now than it was as recently as half a decade ago. What is mortgage preapproval?

Mortgage preapproval essentially confirms to sellers and sellers’ agents that a given buyer has qualified for a mortgage they can use to purchase a property. In a competitive real estate market like the current one, mortgage preapproval can set buyers apart from the competition, increasing the likelihood that their offers

MORTGAGE: Page 13

Choosing the best decking material

METRO EDITORIAL SERVICES

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that notion is as true when renovating a home as it is when studying a piece of art. Therefore, when homeowners are looking for the best building materials for their home remodels — including backyard decks — their own personal preferences may ultimately dictate the direction they go.

Deck boards and railings can be made from a diverse array of materials, including traditional hardwood, plastic and composite materials. Here’s a deep look into some of the more popular decking materials so homeowners can make informed decisions when contracting with a decking professional for the build.

Hardwood, softwood or pressure-treated wood

In the not-so-distant past, decks were primarily built using some type of wood. Wood is widely available and fairly cost-effective. However, as anyone with a wood deck knows, wood requires frequent upkeep and it can be susceptible to rotting or insect damage. Wood decks also may splinter and deteriorate when exposed to the elements or pool water. Pressure-treated boards are infused with chemicals to help them endure, but that does not make them impervious to wear. Still, the traditional look of a wood deck remains appealing to many homeowners.

DECKING: Page 16

MORTGAGE

From Page 11

will be accepted over ones submitted by buyers who have not been preapproved. What is prequalification?

Some buyers may hear the term “prequalification” and assume it’s the same thing as preapproval. However, the lending experts at LendingTree report there is a notable distinction between the two terms. Prequalification is less formal and based on a casual conversation with a lender that may or may not involve details about a buyer’s credit history, income, monthly expenditures, and other pertinent financial information. Preapproval is a formal examination of a buyerÕs finances and financial history that is conducted after documentation such as W-2s and bank statements are provided. A lender also will conduct a credit inquiry through three major credit bureaus during the preapproval process.

How do I get mortgage preapproval?

Mortgage preapproval is a simple process and itÕs a service offered by most mortgage lenders. A simple phone call or email to a lender can get the process started, and it does not take long for a lender to decide if an applicant qualifies for preapproval. However, insufficient documentation or misleading information can slow down the preapproval process (and potentially cause a lender

to deny an application), so prospective home buyers are encouraged to provide ample and honest documentation of their finances.

Does mortgage preapproval expire?

It can take buyers a long time to buy a home in a competitive market with low inventory. So it’s important that prospective buyers recognize mortgage preapproval has a shelf life of around 60 to 90 days. The preapproval letter a lender provides will indicate an expiration date for the preapproval. If that date comes and goes without buyers purchasing a home, they will have to reapply for preapproval. Must I borrow from the lender who preapproved me?

Buyers also should know that a mortgage preapproval does not bind them to the lender who preapproved them. Buyers can still shop around for a mortage once they make an offer on a home.

Mortgage preapproval is a vital part of the home buying process and can be especially useful in a competitive real estate market.

5 outdoor projects that add value

METRO EDITORIAL SERVICES

Exterior renovations can enhance the appearance of a property and make it more enjoyable for homeowners. Certain renovations have the potential to add value to a home, while others may do the opposite. Learning which one has the largest return on investment can help homeowners select features that will have the most positive impact.

Curb appeal goes a long way toward attracting potential buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, first impressions of a property have a strong influence on buyers. Landscaping and external features can do much to influence such impressions.

PROJECTS: Page 15

Curb appeal goes a long way toward attracting potential buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, first impressions of a property have a strong influence on buyers.

PROJECTS

From Page 14

► Lawn care program: Investing in a lawn care program that consists of fertilizer and weed control application and can be transferred over to a subsequent homeowner is an attractive feature. NAR says such a care program can recover $1,000 in value of the $330 average cost, or a 303% ROI.

► Low-maintenance lifestyle: When choosing materials for projects, those that offer low-maintenance benefits can be preferential. These include low-maintenance patio materials, composite decking, vinyl fencing, and inorganic mulched beds.

► Fire pit: A fire pit can be used for much of the year. In the spring and summer, the fire pit is a great place to congregate to roast marshmallows or sip wine and gaze into the fire. In the fall,

the fire pit can make for a cozy retreat. A fire pit that has a gas burner is low-maintenance, and the National Association of Landscape Professionals says that most can recoup about $4,000 of their $6,000 average price tag.

► Softscaping: Hardscaping refers to structures like outdoor kitchens or decks. Softscaping involves the living elements of the landscape. Hiring a landscape designer to install trees, shrubs, natural edging, and rock elements can do wonders toward improving the look and value of a home.

► Pool or water feature: In certain markets, particularly hot climates, a pool or another water feature is a must-have. However, in other areas where outdoor time is limited, a pool or water feature can actually lower the value of a home. Speaking with a real estate professional can give homeowners an idea of how a pool will fare in a given neighborhood. Outdoor improvements can improve the marketability of a home, as well as enhance its appearance and function.

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Alison Schumann Office Manager & REALTOR®

Jessica Clemens REALTOR® Crystal Lytle REALTOR®

Mike Janke REALTOR® Michele Cave REALTOR® Diane Dillman Customer Care Coordinator

Ben Lee REALTOR®

DECKING

From Page 12

Composite

Composite decking materials are made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers. Since there is so much recycled content, composite decks attract those who are concerned about the environment and sustainability. Composite decking comes in uncapped and capped varieties. The capped version has an extra layer of protective capping made from high-performance polymers, says TimberTech, a decking and outdoor furniture provider. While composite decks may have similar up-front costs to wood, they will require less maintenance over the years, but they must be scrubbed to avoid mildew growth.

Plastic

Decks made of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or high density polyethylene (HDPE) are collectively referred to as PVC decks. They are made entirely from environmentally safe plastic with no wood in the mix at all. PVC decks are more durable than composite and can last a lifetime. All PVC decks need is occasional cleaning. A potential disadvantage to PVC is it doesn’t always look,

sound or feel like wood. Also, complex fastening systems can make the boards move as the temperature changes, resulting in squeaking as people walk on the deck. Generally, PVC is more expensive than wood or composite, but that investment may be worth it for those who never want to worry about deck repair or replacement. This Old House says there is another plastic decking material made from

polystyrene. It is stiff, strong and light, and with the brand Eon, the nonslip surface becomes less slippery when wet so it may be great around pools.

Aluminum

Aluminum may not be as popular as other decking materials, but it is lighter and stronger than wood, composite, and plastic. Aluminum also is resistant to mold, weather and insects, and it can be recycled. An aluminum deck will last for

years, which is why it is one of the more costly decking materials. Homeowners have many choices when picking materials for their decks. If they want a traditional look and moderate cost, wood may be the way to go. Those concerned about looks and durability may like composite. People who want very durable and long-lasting may want to give strong consideration to plastic or aluminum materials. SH242662

METRO EDITORIAL SERVICES

Windows are a major component of a home. Window installation professionals will tell homeowners that the average life span of’residential windows is between 15 and 30 years. Most well-maintained products can last 20 years, so homeowners who have windows approaching that age may want to schedule a window assessment and possible replacement.

Replacing windows is a job that requires advanced skill, and this is not a do-it-yourself project. There are many qualified professional window installation companies that will work with homeowners to measure, order and install windows that will fit with the style of a home and local weather, all while providing features the homeowner desires.

For those wondering when to replace windows, Pella and Renewal by Andersen, two of the premiere window manufacturers, offer these guidelines.

WINDOWS: Page 19

WINDOWS

From Page 18

► Difficulty opening and closing windows. A window that does not operate as it should can aggravate homeowners. If windows are sticking shut or cannot be securely closed, it’s probably time for something new.

► There’s apparent window damage. Accidents happen, and if a rock is kicked up from a lawnmower and cracks a window or if spring baseball practice has gone awry with an errant throw, windows may require replacement.

► Drafts in the window are common. If heating and cooling systems are working overtime, drafty, poorly insulated windows could be to blame. Various agencies can perform energy efficiency tests in a home. Windows that are determined to be the weak spots should be replaced.

► Dated windows are present in the home. Older windows may pose safety hazards, especially those in older homes. A larger window may be needed to comply with fire safety codes allowing for window egress. Dated windows also may simply look “old” and compromise the aesthetics of a home.

► Outdoor noises are noticed quite readily. Newer windows can help reduce

noise transmission. So those leaf blowers, airplanes, barking dogs, and kids playing basketball up the street won’t disturb homeowners as they try to enjoy some peace and quiet indoors.

► Fading indoors is noted. Windows that do not feature low-emissivity (LowE) glass coatings will not block UV rays. Those rays can cause fading to wood floors and furniture or pretty much anything the sunlight touches. Replacing existing windows with Low-E coating alternatives can safeguard belongings and improve window efficiency.

Window replacement may be necessary when existing windows are showing signs of aging or damage.